This is a nine (9) week series of Modern Qigong: Seasonal-based practice.

Qigong is a moving meditation practice that comes from ancient China and is connected to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qi (chi) translates to mean life-force energy, and Gong to mean work, or cultivate. The literal translation of Qigong being ‘energy work’.

The best way to describe the practice of Qigong is as a gentle and restorative exercise therapy. The purpose of the practice is to release tension; physical, mental and emotional tension, in order to allow the energy of the body to circulate freely and without stagnation or blockage.

Qigong activates our body's energy system and the innate self-healing capacity of the body. Ultimately the practice is a moving meditation that incorporates acupressure, slow stretches, gentle flowing movement and stillness.

Modern Qigong is a powerful, integrative approach to the ancient practice. It brings together movements from the hundreds of traditional forms into a more accessible style that complements our fast paced lifestyles. It allows people to experience the benefits of qigong without the thousands of hours of practice that is often required to master a classical form.

The core of the traditional practice remains, the movements are still precise and differentiated, typically though the practice is performed a little quicker and the format of practice is different. This allows the practice to be undertaken in shorter, more accessible time-frames and blocks, for example a 10 minute self-practice in the morning or a 60 minute in-studio class.

This integrative method brings together movements and postures from various classical forms, those from Classical Qigong and Chinese Health Qigong but also from the hundreds of other traditional styles, as well as Tai Chi and Daoyin. Modern Qigong explores acupressure, standing, slow stretches, gentle flowing movements, breath-work and stillness, and accompanied by a strong focus on presence.

Regardless of the method of practice, during Qigong we focus and anchor our attention on the breath, the body and the sensation of Qi; the feeling of aliveness within. We often incorporate other meditative techniques such as mindfulness, intention and visualisation.

When practicing Qigong our intention is to be embodied and present, to connect with ourselves in a holistic way, what is described in Chinese philosophy as connecting The Three Treasures. There are several fundamental principals in the practice of this beautiful form of self-care and restoration, the essence being to slow down, soften the heart and to do less.